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cool11

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Sep 3, 2006
1,851
228
I wonder why aluminium in macbook pro is considered better case than the one of the macbook(plastik).
What do you think?
 
...Maybe because it's a "pro" machine? I dunno, anodized aluminum just seems sexier (though it isn't necessarily tougher, at least not in the thicknesses used for notebooks).

Also, talk about opening a can of worms. This thread is going to get ridiculous. :rolleyes:
 
...Maybe because it's a "pro" machine? I dunno, anodized aluminum just seems sexier (though it isn't necessarily tougher, at least not in the thicknesses used for notebooks).

Also, talk about opening a can of worms. This thread is going to get ridiculous. :rolleyes:

Is it all about aesthetics and nothing else?
 
The nice thing about aluminum is it doesnt make any of the cracking/creaking noises associated with a plastic case. You could get into the thermal advantages of aluminum over plastic but really the aluminum just feels more solid. IMHO. ;)
 
I've dropped plastic notebooks and broken them, my Powerbook has been dropped (from 1-2ft, normally onto a corner) and been fine.

It also doesn't discolour, and you get the awesome electric buzz from the Apple metal laptops.
 
the aluminum definitely looks sexier and SLIGHTLY less cheesier.
Also aluminum dissipates heat better.
 
while i think that aluminum is "sexier" i see the white plastic on the macbook as the true style of apple.... and also i was using my macbook in the airport and many people took double takes at my laptop..
 
while i think that aluminum is "sexier" i see the white plastic on the macbook as the true style of apple.... and also i was using my macbook in the airport and many people took double takes at my laptop..

Don't you just love the "double takes" - one of the privileges of owning a Mac - any Mac!;)
 
you can say my laptop is made of METAL!!! how many other laptops are made almost entirely of metal, thats pretty cool in itself i think.
 
I like how the case acts like a giant heatsink and fries your baby makers when it gets really warm (under heavy load) on your lap! :eek: Thank goodness for smcFanControl!
 
I choose plastic.

In my opinion and experience, the thin metal on the powerbooks / MacBook Pro is not going to be as tough as the poly used in the iBook / MacBook. The plastic is more flexible, and absorbs more shock. The metal is thinner, and transmits more of the shock energy into the internal case components.

How many dented or warped iBooks or MacBooks do you see on these forums? A search for the same question on Powerbooks and MacBook Pro laptops is going to give you quite many results.

I like the look of the Aluminum much better, however it isn't durable enough for me to take out into the field.

Yes this is a can of worms subject.
 
I choose plastic.

In my opinion and experience, the thin metal on the powerbooks / MacBook Pro is not going to be as tough as the poly used in the iBook / MacBook. The plastic is more flexible, and absorbs more shock. The metal is thinner, and transmits more of the shock energy into the internal case components.

How many dented or warped iBooks or MacBooks do you see on these forums? A search for the same question on Powerbooks and MacBook Pro laptops is going to give you quite many results.

I like the look of the Aluminum much better, however it isn't durable enough for me to take out into the field.

Yes this is a can of worms subject.

what field?
 
That, and I am a freelance motocross photographer, and also like to cover automotive events such as auto shows, and track events.

I am somewhat hard on my equipment :( .
 
i have both - honestly, the aluminum is better. you can't see all the dust and fingerprints, etc. that builds up on the plastic macbook. after a week of use my black macbook looks filthy while u can't even tell w/ the aluminum pro.
 
i have both - honestly, the aluminum is better. you can't see all the dust and fingerprints, etc. that builds up on the plastic macbook. after a week of use my black macbook looks filthy while u can't even tell w/ the aluminum pro.

Dust and fingerprints does not fall under the damage category, unless you are a rich supermodel ;) .

And what do you expect with black! ? :confused:
 
840quadraYou do realise you contradicted yourself, don't you?

You said the plastic is more flexible, then said that you haven't seen any dented or warped. If it was more flexible, it would warp easier.

You also said it absorbed more shock. Something that is easier to bend would absorb more, think of a crumple zone on a car.

However, I'm not going to try to say you're wrong about the plastic ones being stronger; I've never had an iBook, only a Powerbook which I've had no trouble with and a Toshiba where the plastic broke in a fall.
 
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